How to Prevent Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Spring allergies can be more than just an inconvenience; sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes can all become a major disruption to daily life for those with the most sensitivity to allergens like pollen. So when these allergens pop up when winter changes into spring, it can be difficult to manage them promptly. Even those that spend most of their days indoors can experience some of the worst allergy symptoms. If this sounds like you, here are a few things you can do to help prevent spring allergy symptoms, even if you’re staying indoors.

Use the AC

Running the air conditioning during the springtime when temperatures are usually quite pleasant sounds a bit silly, but this is one major way that you can preempt allergy symptoms before they start. Allowing the AC (or heat) to be on throughout the day means that your home is experiencing more air flow and movement. As a result, any stray pollen grains that have found their way into your home can be cycled through quickly and moved out of the house through the AC system, keeping your indoor air as fresh as you’d like it to be outside.

Change Your Filter

With the AC running to keep the air clean, your system’s filters will be working overtime to catch all of the nasty little allergens floating around. While they’re pushed through the system, they’re likely to be caught by the filter, so make sure you are changing this regularly. Create and stick to a schedule based on your system’s recommendations. In addition, when replacing filters, select high efficiency filters that will do more to catch all sorts of impurities in the air.

Use a Dehumidifier

Keeping air dry is crucial for reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. Humidity in the air can amplify runny noses and sneezing, especially. If your home’s AC isn’t enough to keep the air dry, a small dehumidifier is an inexpensive way to further decrease the moisture present.

Vacuum Often

During the spring, pollen grains can enter the home through doors and windows and even on your own clothing or hair. Take care to remove any grains that might have landed on the floor by vacuuming them up as often as you can. Ensuring that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter will make sure it’s doing the best it can.

If you’ve followed all of the previous indoor prevention tips for seasonal allergy symptoms and you still find yourself dealing with mild to moderate reactions, visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for immediate walk-in allergy treatment, so you can get back to life in no time. Cash and most major insurance plans are accepted. For questions, please call 425-970-8117.